BIGPACK2014's Mountain Peak Quest: Antarctica Expedition Is About to Launch

BIGPACK2014’s “Mountain Peak Quest” masterpiece will be unveiled during the Antarctic Expedition. In November 2014, an elite team composed of renowned European extreme mountaineers and sailors will set sail on the eco-friendly schooner Orange Peel to embark on a brand-new “Polar Quest” plan, reaching uncharted territories in the glaciers of Antarctica. Deep within the Antarctic ice fields, they will traverse the unexplored 7 Sisters Mountain Range along the ridgeline, climb the highest virgin rock face on the Antarctic Peninsula at Pic Rio Branco, open up a new mixed route on an unclimbed peak at Cap Renard, attempt extreme ski descents, and deliver a breathtaking polar exploration journey!

As always, in exploration, human relationships are key to success. This project is based on the coming together of two experienced teams: one group of mountaineers searching for beautiful peaks and another of highly skilled sailors seeking new adventures in the most remote part of the world — Antarctica. Right there, between Cape Horn, Antarctica, and unclimbed peaks, awaits adventure. The Podorange "Orange Peel," one of the best-sailing vessels around Antarctica, will serve as our base camp and meeting point!

 

In 2012, Antoine Cayrol, a high-altitude guide on a skiing expedition in the Antarctic Peninsula, and Brice Monégier, the ship captain, quickly discovered they shared the same idea of returning: two teams, one spirit, one boat. It wasn’t long before their easy connection turned into reality. A series of encounters between mountaineers and sailors brought everyone together under a single vision: a sailing-mountaineering-expedition journey, using sailboats to approach and climb some of the most beautiful unclimbed peaks in the world.

 

Nine ski-mountaineers will join the sailing team of the Podorange "Orange Peel" in the port of Ushuaia on November 10, 2014. It will take about a week to cross the Drake Passage and reach the Antarctic Peninsula. From there, we have selected three different mountain zones for exploration, each featuring exciting climbing objectives.

Surrounded by the massive 7 Sisters mountain range, the former British military base at Port Lockroy is nestled within towering peaks. We aim to cross the entire range along the ridgeline starting from the highest summit. No one has yet attempted such a grand traverse, and several peaks along the way remain unclimbed.  

This is the highest virgin rock face on the Antarctic Peninsula, standing at 1,000 meters tall. There are also many smaller satellite peaks nearby.

Cap Renard features unique needle-like peaks rising from the sea. Here, we plan to establish new mixed routes on several unclimbed summits (such as the second peak from the left in the image).

 

Within these three sectors, we are also considering some ski- and snowboard-friendly couloirs, hoping to descend them on skis. Of course, this depends on snow conditions, and we believe there may be opportunities to open new extreme descent lines. After three weeks of peak exploration, the Podorange "Orange Peel" will sail back to Ushuaia via Cape Horn. On the return journey, we’ll pass by Wollaston Island and the Beagle Channel. This route offers potential for exploring the remote Selk’Nam Peak. This little-known and distant region remains a future project requiring further research and information.

With reverence for nature’s spiritual laws, we fulfill our commitments with passion, humility, and authenticity on the edge of cliffs. Whether it’s the roaring waves of the Southern Ocean, the serene and majestic blue glaciers, or the soaring albatrosses and charming penguins, all are written by nature. In this grand tome, our team are but transient brushstrokes, carrying curiosity and awe to reveal the truest face of Antarctica. As our team reaches this inaccessible polar realm and these never-before-climbed peaks, they will inscribe a new chapter in human history.